Backed, Sonic, and Chainlink Collaborate to Tokenize Fortlake’s Sigma Opportunities Fund

A groundbreaking partnership between asset tokenization platform Backed, blockchain provider Sonic, and on-chain finance platform Chainlink aims to revolutionize traditional finance by tokenizing Fortlake Asset Management’s Sigma Opportunities Fund. This initiative represents a significant leap in integrating traditional financial assets into the blockchain ecosystem.

The Collaboration: Key Details

Announced on December 4, the partnership brings together Backed’s tokenization expertise, Sonic’s blockchain capabilities, and Chainlink’s decentralized finance (DeFi) tools. The trio plans to create permissionless tokens for Fortlake’s Sigma fund, collateralized 1:1 and pegged to the fund’s real-time net asset value (NAV).

These tokens will be designed to operate seamlessly within Sonic’s growing blockchain ecosystem, making them DeFi-ready and accessible to a broader audience.

Sam Harcourt, business development lead at Sonic, remarked:

"This is one of the first steps for Sonic in its pathway to tokenizing financial assets across the globe and bringing the advantages of Sonic technology to traditional financial institutions."

Leveraging Chainlink's Cutting-Edge Technology

Chainlink will play a crucial role in ensuring the success of this initiative by providing:

• SmartData for NAV Updates: Real-time NAV data will underpin the token’s value.
• Proof of Reserves: Verification of the fund’s collateralized assets and assets under management.
• Cross-Chain Interoperability Protocol (CCIP): Enables liquidity across multiple blockchain networks.

This robust technological framework will instill transparency, trust, and efficiency, key factors for institutional adoption.

A Milestone for Backed’s TaaS Platform

The Sigma fund tokenization marks the inaugural use of Backed’s Tokenization-as-a-Service (TaaS) platform. TaaS aims to bridge the gap between traditional finance and blockchain by enabling private funds to extend their operations on-chain.

Fortlake, a prominent fixed-income manager, is the first to leverage this technology. Recognized as the Fixed Income Manager of the Year in Australia, Fortlake’s actively managed global fund targets returns of 7–10% above the federal funds rate. Over the past year, the Sigma fund achieved a 10% return through active fixed-income investments.

The Growing Market for Real-World Asset (RWA) Tokenization

The collaboration is set against the backdrop of a rapidly expanding real-world asset tokenization market. This sector, driven by institutional interest, has seen exponential growth, with prominent players like BlackRock and Franklin Templeton launching tokenized financial products.

• Market Size: Currently valued at over $13.21 billion on-chain.

• Future Potential: Analysts predict the RWA tokenization market could grow into a multi-trillion-dollar industry within 5 to 15 years.

Conclusion

The partnership between Backed, Sonic, and Chainlink exemplifies the transformative potential of blockchain in traditional finance. By tokenizing the Sigma Opportunities Fund, these platforms are not only setting a precedent for future collaborations but also paving the way for a new era of financial inclusivity and efficiency.

As the real-world asset tokenization market continues to gain momentum, this initiative underscores the blockchain industry’s pivotal role in reshaping the financial landscape.